The Library of Congress, One Million Books, and New Resources to Inspire Changemakers

First Book and Ashoka launch new educator resources to inspire young changemakers

First Book and Ashoka, the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs, have launched new evidence-based resources to help educators inspire youth as changemakers, and to build their own skills as adult allies. The resources are part of a multi-year initiative made possible through the generous support of Audemars Piguet.?

Developed with input from educators through surveys conducted by First Book Research & Insights,?A Guide to Inspiring Young Changemakers?provides real-life examples of diverse young changemakers who live in communities that reflect the economic and social challenges of students served by First Book educators.

The guide, which is free and available for educators to download on the First Book Marketplace, features videos, interviews, and case studies of inspiring examples:?

• Elementary school students in California who re-designed their library to create a space where they feel a shared sense of ownership.
• Two 13-year-olds in the Navajo Nation who created a community garden to address the need for healthy food.
• An enterprising 16-year-old who is piloting new ways for students to teach financial literacy skills to their younger peers – in engaging ways.?
• A high school student who turned her passion for science and technology into a successful ‘STEAM Night’ that championed inclusivity and diversity.?

The new resource enables educators to share these examples with their students, and arms them with discussion questions, ideas to help turn student voice into action, and guidance on how to step up as an adult ally to support their students’ changemaking ideas and actions.

While everyone has inherent changemaking skills, it takes practice – and support – to develop those abilities. That can be especially true for young people growing up in economically challenged, historically under-resourced communities.

We’re thrilled to bring this new resource to unlock the changemaking skills of young people across the country!?Learn more here.?

American Federation of Teachers, First Book, and AFL-CIO to bring another ONE MILLION BOOKS to students!

What could be better than distributing one million books? Why, distributing TWO million books, of course! That is exactly what is underway, thanks to the multiyear Reading Opens the World initiative, led by the American Federation of Teachers, in partnership with First Book and the AFL-CIO. After distributing one million books in 2022, AFT, First Book and the AFL-CIO will be collaborating to distribute another one million books in 2023.?

“Reading is foundational,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Books bring joy—and they really do open the world. That’s why as others are banning books, we are continuing our efforts to create a nation of joyful and confident readers.”

In 2022, children, families, and teachers selected books through more than 200 Reading Opens the World events in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The one millionth book was distributed in Pico Rivera, CA in December.?

We know that in order to build engaged readers, educators need ongoing access to beautiful, high-quality, and relevant books to inspire reading and learning. In addition, these wonderful books strengthen the bond between teachers, parents, and caregivers and their children’s education.

Everyone at First Book is thrilled to join hands with AFT to bring the power of books to more kids in 2023.

Diverse Books for All Coalition welcomes new project director, Kari Kurjiaka; new member, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators

The Diverse Books for All Coalition, launched in October 2022 and spearheaded by First Book, includes more than 25 nonprofits and membership organizations from across the U.S. that are working together to tackle the lack of high-quality, affordable children’s books by and about diverse races and cultures. This month, Kari Kurjiaka became Project Director for the national coalition. Most recently, Kari served as Senior Manager of Literacy & External Affairs for Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, a founding member of the coalition.?

In addition, the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), a membership organization supporting more than 23,000 children’s book authors, illustrators, and translators in more than 27 countries, has formally joined the coalition.?

To support educational and racial equity, the Diverse Books for All Coalition is developing collective action designed to double the number of affordable, quality children’s books by and about diverse cultures and races over the next five years.?Read more here.

In the News: Library of Congress Literacy Awards

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, the Library of Congress created a wonderful new video recognizing 10 years of award winners.?First Book received the Library of Congress David M. Rubenstein Prize in 2015, for outstanding and measurable contributions to increasing literacy levels and for its commitment to the advancement of literacy.?This was – and still is, today – an enormously valuable recognition for First Book.?We are grateful to the Library of Congress and to David M. Rubenstein for supporting the work of nonprofits and for elevating the importance of literacy, not only for individuals, but also to our economy and our democracy.

See the Library of Congress video here?- featuring First Book and other award winners.?

2023: hopes for the year ahead

What can we build on to advance early education in 2023? Hear from leaders in early childhood, media, and nonprofits, including thoughts from me and First Book, in this?Early Learning Nation article: “A New Year of Reflection, Impact and Equity.”?

You’ve heard of your moment of Zen. Here’s your moment of WOW.

Dear Teacher,

Your kids missed you. Not your classroom. Not your

content. They missed you.

You did that.

No easy thing to be what kids need. But it's less-hard

when all they need is you (to be you).

Let that be the lift you need tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Not-So-Secret Admirer

I love this message posted recently on social media by Monte, a high school teacher.

Monte’s message is a powerful reminder:?Showing that you care about and believe in a child can quite literally change the trajectory of that child’s life. Even today, as an adult, I am sure that you remember those teachers who told you: yes, you can do this; you’re terrific; I believe in you; you got this. In fact, even as adults, sometimes it’s that teacher’s voice that we hear in the moments when we feel discouraged and need encouragement and inspiration the most.

To every teacher, paraprofessional, librarian, early educator, childcare provider, youth program leader, tutor, school counselor, principal, and every adult working formally or informally to support kids, THANK YOU.?First Book is dedicated to listening and acting on what you need. We’re here with you and for you. Every single day.?

With gratitude,

Kyle

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